Exit status

In <a href="/facts/Computing/Kghtm9fX">computing</a>, the exit status (also exit code or exit value) of a terminated <a href="/facts/Computer_process/Vcq7EnUV">process</a> is an integer number that is made available to its <a href="/facts/Parent_process/SGkeTvEu">parent process</a> (or caller). In <a href="/facts/DOS/sWwDXNmX">DOS</a>, this may be referred to as an errorlevel.
When computer programs are executed, the <a href="/facts/Operating_system/8XTuvMh2">operating system</a> creates an <a href="/facts/Abstract_entity/uNshak6S">abstract entity</a> called a <a href="/facts/Computer_process/Vcq7EnUV">process</a> in which the book-keeping for that program is maintained. In multitasking operating systems such as <a href="/facts/Unix/0pNL2seI">Unix</a> or <a href="/facts/Linux/9FvCKSTq">Linux</a>, new processes can be created by active processes. The process that spawns another is called a parent process, while those created are child processes. Child processes run concurrently with the parent process. The technique of spawning child processes is used to delegate some work to a child process when there is no reason to stop the execution of the parent. When the child finishes executing, it exits by calling the <a href="/facts/Exit_(system_call)/dnhClTUU">exit</a> <a href="/facts/System_call/NW44AFJr">system call</a>. This system call facilitates passing the exit status code back to the parent, which can retrieve this value using the <a href="/facts/Wait_(operating_system)/pDCYnnyj">wait</a> system call.

Exit status open-in-new

Exit status